MARK HUGHES has sprung to the defence of the Wales medical team after the Craig Bellamy rumpus with Newcastle erupted once more.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd's demand for FIFA action in the club versus country tug-o-war over Bellamy has shocked the Welsh camp.

Wales admit they don't want Bellamy returning to Newcastle injured, but they insist they are doing nothing wrong.

Every time Bellamy plays for Wales, Hughes insists, he does so when he is fully fit.

"I have complete and utter confidence in the Welsh medical team," said Hughes.

"In fact, I would say we have a medical back-up to match any international team in Europe.

"I rate them that highly. And, as manager, I have always said, the fitness and well being of my players will come first in any decisions I make."

Bellamy returned to Tyneside injured from Saturday's game against Serbia-Montenegro, provoking another row with Wales over their use of the player.

Previously Newcastle tried to stop Bellamy playing in Euro 2004 qualifiers away to Finland and against Italy in Milan.

Ironically, Hughes wrote in detail about the Bellamy issue in Saturday's match programme for the game against Serbia.

Speaking about the tug-o-war with Newcastle, Hughes wrote, "I don't want to open old wounds, but this does give me the opportunity to tell you how we have developed a comprehensive management structure.

"When I played for Wales, our medical team was made up of one man, the excellent Dr Graham Jones, while our kit manager, Ron Stitfall, was his back-up with the 'magic sponge.'

"I wish to make no criticism of that system because that was the pattern in most nations, big and small.

"But we must move with the times and change was inevitable with the vast increase in transfer fees and players' wages.

"A national association must be respectful of the value of a player whose services have been loaned by his club. An injury sustained in an international match may have major consequences for the club's future success.

"But I can honestly claim that Wales has medical back-room staff to compare with any in Europe. Our players' fitness is thoroughly assessed and any remedial treatment is professionally administered.

"Our five medics are amongst the unsung men of the Welsh team and without their efforts and advice I could not properly prepare the squad."